Missis did not know what the word meant, but Pongo had seen a Folly before and was able to explain. The name is often given to expensive, odd buildings built for no sensible reason, buildings that it was a foolishness to build.

The cat miaowed three times, and there were three answering barks from inside the tower. A moment later came the sound of a bolt being drawn back.

The Colonel’s the only dog I ever knew who could manage bolts with his teeth,€ said the cat proudly.

Pongo instantly decided he would learn to manage bolts.

Come in, come in,€ said a rumbling voice, but let me have a look at you first. There’s not much light inside yet.€

An enormous Sheepdog came out. Pongo saw at once that this was none of your dapper military men but a lumbering old soldier man, possibly a slow thinker but widely experienced. His eyes glittered shrewdly and kindly through his masses of grey-and-white woolly hair.

Glad to see you’re large Dalmatians,€ he said approvingly. I’ve nothing against small dogs, but the size of all breeds should be kept up. Well, now, what’s been happening to you? There was a rare to-do on the Twilight Barking last night, when no one had any news of you.€

He led the way into the Folly, while Pongo told of their day with the Spaniel.

Sounds a splendid fellow,€ said the Colonel. Sorry he’s not on the Barking. Now, tuck in, you two. I provided breakfast just in case you turned up.

There was plenty of good farmhouse food and a deep round tin full of water.

How did you get it all here?€ asked Pongo astonished.

I rolled the round tin from the farm with the food inside it,€ said the Colonel. I stuffed the tin with straw so that the food wouldn’t fall out. And then I borrowed a small seaside bucket from my young pet, Tommy the dear little chap would lend me anything. I can carry that bucket by its handle. Six trips to the pond on the heath got the water here lucky it thawed yesterday. Drink up! Plenty more where that came from.€

The cat acted as hostess during the meal. Pongo was careful always to address her as Mrs. Willow.

What’s this Mrs. Willow business?€ said the Colonel suddenly.

Pussy Willow happens to be my given name,€ said the cat. And I’m certainly a Mrs.€

You've got too many names,€ said the Colonel. You're «Puss» because all cats are «Puss». You’re «Pussy Willow» because it’s your given name. You’re Tib because most people call you that. I call you «Lieutenant» or «Lieutenant Tib». I thought you liked it.

I like «Lieutenant» but not «Lieutenant Tib».

Well, you can’t be Mrs. «Willow» on top of everything else. You can’t have six names.